strung: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to informal in emotional sense; technical in craft/music contexts.
Quick answer
What does “strung” mean?
past tense and past participle of 'string', meaning to arrange or attach things in a line or series, often using string or wire.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
past tense and past participle of 'string', meaning to arrange or attach things in a line or series, often using string or wire.
Often describes a state of being tense, highly stressed, or emotionally strained. Also used for objects that have been fitted with strings (like musical instruments) or arranged in a linear fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'strung' as the standard past tense/participle of 'string'. The emotional sense ('strung out') is slightly more common in American informal use.
Connotations
In both, 'strung' can imply a makeshift or temporary arrangement (e.g., 'lights were strung across the garden'). The emotional sense often carries negative connotations of exhaustion or anxiety.
Frequency
The base verb 'string' is more frequent. 'Strung' is moderately common, primarily in narratives or descriptions of states.
Grammar
How to Use “strung” in a Sentence
[obj] + strung + [prep phrase] (They strung lights along the path)[obj] + be + strung + [adj/adv] (He was strung tightly before the audition)[obj] + have + strung + [obj] (She had strung the pearls)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strung” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They strung the bunting between the lampposts for the street party.
- He had strung his tennis racket himself before the match.
American English
- We strung up the piñata from the tree branch.
- She strung the new cable along the fence.
adverb
British English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- Not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- After the all-night drive, he felt completely strung out.
- She's a highly strung individual, very sensitive to noise.
American English
- The guitarist played on a freshly strung instrument.
- He was too strung up to enjoy the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The team was strung out after the marathon negotiations.'
Academic
Rare in core texts. May appear in historical/archaeology contexts: 'Beads were strung on sinew.'
Everyday
Common for decorations, lights, emotional states: 'I've got fairy lights strung on my balcony.' 'She was really strung up about the interview.'
Technical
Used in music (strung an instrument), crafting (strung a bow), and construction (strung a cable).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strung”
- Using 'stringed' as the past tense (incorrect: 'He stringed the lights'. Correct: 'He strung the lights').
- Confusing 'strung' (past action/state) with 'stringy' (adjective meaning fibrous).
- Overusing the emotional sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's also commonly used as a past participle and as an adjective (e.g., 'a strung instrument', 'feeling strung out').
'Strung' is the past tense/participle of the verb 'to string'. 'Stringed' is an adjective describing instruments that have strings (e.g., 'stringed instruments' like violins). You don't say 'I stringed the lights.'
Rarely. It almost always describes a negative state of exhaustion, stress, or being under the influence of drugs. It can neutrally describe something extended in space (e.g., 'towns strung out along the coast').
It is an irregular verb: string - strung - strung.
past tense and past participle of 'string', meaning to arrange or attach things in a line or series, often using string or wire.
Strung is usually neutral to informal in emotional sense; technical in craft/music contexts. in register.
Strung: in British English it is pronounced /strʌŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /strʌŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “strung out (tired/stressed or extended over time/space)”
- “highly strung (nervous/easily upset)”
- “strung along (deceived/kept waiting falsely)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GUITAR STRUNG with new strings – it's under TENSION, just like a person who is 'strung out' feels tense and strained.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL TENSION IS PHYSICAL TENSION (e.g., 'strung tight'). ORDER IS LINEAR ARRANGEMENT (e.g., 'strung along the wall').
Practice
Quiz
What does 'highly strung' typically describe?